We were going to renew our lease, but the landlord 'threw a wrench into the works' [=('Brit') 'threw a spanner into the works'] by increasing the rent.
The storm 'threw a monkey wrench into' their plans for a picnic. [=the storm ruined their plans for a picnic]
an emotionally 'wrenching' experience [=a very sad/painful experience]
(..) - Read it again. No, better still, take a look at these. Remember I told you about the guy he nearly beat to death? Toretto did this with a three-quarter-inch torque wrench. He's a model of self-control. I need a few more days. I need a few more days. Got a TR here, with a ball-bearing upgrade. (..)2001 The Fast and the Furious
(..) at that Honda of yours? - This your ride? - It was. It's his now. No, it's not. I haven't taken delivery. Then, it's nobody's car. But somebody put in the wrench time. - What do you think, Lance? - It's an amazing machine. Yes, indeed. Let's go. I'll see you in the desert next month. (..)2001 The Fast and the Furious